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Let me give you a little background about me first:
I have never taken a martial art. I do, however, workout reguarly (weight train).
I'm very interested in taking Aikido and have found a Dojo close by that teaches it (2 hours, twice a week) The whole non-violence/spirtual aspect of Aikido amazes me. But, I'm also interested in knowing some offensive martial arts (why not have the best of both worlds). There is also a Hapkido/Yudo dojo nearby that teaches 1 hour classes twice a week (unfortunetly because of my schedule, I would only be able to take Hapkido once a week for the first 2 months). I think it would be useful to know Aikido in order to avoid conflicts/get intouch with my 'ki', but also good to know Hapkido incase I get into a tight situation/I want to do competions.

I have read varying views on whether or not taking 2 martial arts at the same time is good or not. I have also read that Hapkido and Aikido are somewhat related in principle (so I don't think it would make it that hard to train at both). I know some people say training in 2 martial arts is disrespectful, but then others say that a true teacher would respect a student trying to grow in martial arts by taking differing classes.

Anyways, all I want is opinions.

Also, I would like to keep weight training, but at the same time take the martial arts. Is this a good idea?

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I think cross training is a great idea. I also think that in most cases it should be done after a moderate level of proficiency in one art is achieved.

I do know people who have started two arts at the same time and were able to keep the training seperate, I also know people who couldn't. It's really going to depend on you. If it were me I'd try them both and then stick with the one I liked the best for awhile before venturing out.

Quote:

Also, I would like to keep weight training, but at the same time take the martial arts. Is this a good idea?

I really don't see this as a problem as long as you don't lose flexibilty.

It will be a bigger challenge for you to rely on technique over strength as opposed to those of us who had our upper body strength surgically removed as children

Let us know how it goes.

Bronson

"A pacifist is not really a pacifist if he is unable to make a choice between violence and non-violence. A true pacifist is able to kill or maim in the blink of an eye, but at the moment of impending destruction of the enemy he chooses non-violence."

Hi. I have only recently started Aikido, as it is on days that college must have priority . So, instead i tool up Judo at the same club. It is really noticible on the judo mat when you have a play with some of the Aikido folks - the way they move and the posture for example. I think that crossing any arts would be beneficial, so long as you maintain a respect for both and keep try to use only the techniques from one while ''officially training'' and perhaps an informal mixin' it up where you can combine them. Ann example...an unexpected nikkyo on the judo mat can be dangerous, if not ammusing, or an osoto gari mid flow in Aikido. It would be good to hear how a striking art eg your hapkido, and a softer art - Aikido flow together. Let us know how it goes

When you decide to cause harm, you are breaking the harmony of the Universe, and thus you are already defeated.